The "Carrick Effect" shows no signs of slowing down as Manchester United dismantled Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to claim their fourth consecutive victory under the interim boss. While the tactics were sharp, the game was undoubtedly tilted in the 29th minute when Spurs captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a reckless, studs-up challenge on Casemiro.
United capitalized on the man advantage in the 38th minute through a beautifully worked training-ground corner. Bruno Fernandes rolled the ball low to Kobbie Mainoo, who deftly set up Bryan Mbeumo to sweep a first-time finish past Guglielmo Vicario. It was Mbeumo’s third goal in four games, further justifying Carrick’s faith in the forward.
Spurs, managed by Thomas Frank, showed brief signs of life in the second half through Xavi Simons, but United’s defense held firm. The points were finally secured in the 81st minute. Substitute Benjamin Šeško rose well to flick on Diogo Dalot’s cross, and Bruno Fernandes was on hand to steer a clinical header into the far corner, sending the Stretford End into raptures.
The closing stages saw Carrick hand a senior debut to young Tyler Fletcher, a symbolic nod to the club’s future as they move within a point of the top three.
What It Means: Manchester United vault into fourth place, leapfrogging Chelsea, and are now unbeaten in eight league games. Tottenham’s struggle for consistency continues, leaving them in 14th and searching for answers after another disciplinary lapse from their skipper.